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What Is Parallel Parenting?

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Co-parenting and parallel parenting are two different styles of parenting after divorce.

Co-parenting is when both parents are in the child's life and share custody equally. Parallel parenting is when each parent has their own time with the child, and they do not overlap.

Parallel parenting can work well for families who have a lot of conflicts or when one parent is not able to be as involved as the other.

Which style of parenting is right for your family?

How Does Parallel Parenting Work?


Each parent has their own house, and the child spends time with each parent separately. The parents also have separate schedules for activities like homework and bedtime.

What Are The Benefits Of Parallel Parenting?

There are several benefits to this style of parenting.

First, it can help reduce conflict between the parents.

Second, it can give each parent more one-on-one time with the child.

Third, it can make it easier for the parents to co-parent if they live in different households.

Finally, this style of parenting can provide stability for the child by having set times with each parent.

Are There Any Drawbacks To Parallel Parenting?

While there are many benefits to parallel parenting, there are also some drawbacks.

One drawback is that it can be difficult to coordinate schedules and activities when the child is living in two separate households. 

Another drawback is that it can be emotionally difficult for the child if they are not used to living in two separate households.

Finally, parallel parenting can be expensive if the parents live in different cities or states.

Tips For Making Parallel Parenting Work For Your Family

Tip 1:

Talk to your ex-partner about your plans and see if they are open to the idea.

Tip 2:

Create a parenting plan that outlines each parent's responsibilities and the child's schedule.

Tip 3:

Make sure you have a good support system in place to help with the transition.

Tip 4:

Be patient and flexible as you and your family adjust to this new way of life.

Tip 5:

Get professional help if you are having difficulty making parallel parenting work for your family.

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Parallel Parenting Frequently Asked Questions

How do you start parallel parenting?

If you are interested in parallel parenting, there are a few things you can do to get started. First, talk to your ex-partner about your plans and see if they are open to the idea. Second, create a parenting plan that outlines each parent's responsibilities and the child's schedule. Third, make sure you have a good support system in place to help with the transition. Finally, be patient and flexible as you and your family adjust to this new way of life.

What are the benefits of parallel parenting?

There are several benefits of parallel parenting. It can reduce conflict between parents, allow each parent to have more one-on-one time with their child, and provide stability for children who have chaotic home lives.

Both parents may continue to participate in their children's lives, even in the event of a high-conflict separation or divorce. Children have the best results when they spend at least 35% of their time with each parent, according to studies. This is true even if one parent opposes joint custody or the parents are in an unhappy relationship.

The benefits of joint custody for children include: 

  • Fewer behavior problems
  • Fewer emotional problems
  • Higher self-esteem
  • Better school performance
  • Better family relationships

What are the challenges of parallel parenting?

There can be some challenges associated with parallel parenting. It can be difficult to coordinate schedules and communicate with your ex-partner, and there may be some adjustments required as you and your family get used to this new way of life. Additionally, this may not be right for every family. If you have a high level of conflict with your ex-partner, or if one parent is not able to be as involved as the other, parallel parenting may not be the best option for your family.

What does parallel parenting look like?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as every family's situation is unique. However, in general, parallel parenting means that each parent has their own time with the child, but they do not overlap. Additionally, each parent is responsible for their own parenting responsibilities and the child's schedule is separate from the other parent. This style of parenting can be flexible, so it may look different from family to family.

How long does parallel parenting last?

Again, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Some families find that parallel parenting works well for them long-term, while others may only need to use this type of co-parenting for a short period of time. It is important to be patient and flexible as you and your family adjust to this new way of life.

Is parallel parenting the same as co-parenting?

No, parallel parenting is a type of co-parenting. In general, co-parenting refers to when both parents are involved in the child's life and share parenting responsibilities. Parallel parenting may be beneficial for families that have a lot of conflicts or where one parent is unable to be as involved as the other.

Do I need a lawyer for parallel parenting?

You may want to consult with a lawyer if you are interested in this style of parenting, as they can help you create a parenting plan and make sure it is legally binding. However, you do not need a lawyer to start it.

Is parallel parenting harmful?

No, it is not harmful. In fact, it can be beneficial for families who have a lot of conflicts or when one parent is not able to be as involved as the other. Parallel parenting can reduce conflict between parents, allow each parent to have more one-on-one time with their child, and provide stability for children who have chaotic home lives.

What if my ex-partner isn't interested in parallel parenting?

If your ex-partner is not interested in parallel parenting, you may want to consult with a lawyer or mediator. They can help you create a parenting plan that outlines each parent's responsibilities and the child's schedule. Additionally, they can help you communicate with your ex-partner and resolve any conflict.

Conclusion

Parallel parenting can be a great option for families who have a lot of conflicts or when one parent is not able to be as involved as the other. It can reduce conflict between parents, allow each parent to have more one-on-one time with their child, and provide stability for children who have chaotic home lives. If you are interested in parallel parenting, you may want to consult with a lawyer or mediator to help you create a parenting plan and communicate with your ex-partner.

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Jack Newenham

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